Introduction

The Yokohama Triennale is one of Japan's leading international exhibitions of contemporary art, held once every three years in the vibrant port city of Yokohama. Since its inauguration in 2001, the Triennale has established itself as a major platform for both internationally acclaimed and emerging artists, presenting cutting-edge artistic expressions and exploring the complex relationships between Japan and the world, the individual and society.

Yokohama's unique identity as a historic port city that opened to the world in 1859 after Japan's long period of seclusion makes it a particularly fitting location for this international art event. The city has developed into a cosmopolitan hub where diverse cultures interact, with over 100,000 non-Japanese residents from approximately 160 countries and regions calling it home. This cultural diversity and history of exchange has shaped the Triennale's vision and approach.

Through thematic exhibitions curated by renowned directors, the Yokohama Triennale critically examines contemporary social issues and reexamines the role of art in a rapidly changing world. The event transforms multiple venues across the city into dynamic spaces for artistic exchange, inviting visitors to engage with thought-provoking works that challenge perspectives and inspire new dialogues.

Curatorial Approach

Each edition of the Yokohama Triennale is developed around a central theme selected by the appointed artistic director(s), who bring their unique vision and perspective to the exhibition. The Triennale is notable for its commitment to diverse curatorial voices, having appointed both Japanese and international curators to lead different editions, including groundbreaking appointments like Raqs Media Collective from India in 2020 and the team of Liu Ding and Carol Yinghua Lu from China for the 2024 edition.

The Triennale has consistently addressed urgent contemporary concerns through its themed exhibitions, examining issues from globalization and environmental crisis to social inequality and technological change. What distinguishes the Yokohama Triennale is its emphasis on creating contextual narratives that connect global art practices to local histories and conditions, particularly highlighting perspectives from Asia while maintaining an international dialogue.

Beyond the main exhibition, the Triennale encompasses a rich program of supplementary events, including symposiums, artist talks, workshops, and educational initiatives that enhance engagement with the artworks and foster exchange between artists, participants, and visitors. This multifaceted approach has established the Yokohama Triennale as not merely an exhibition but a comprehensive cultural event that transforms the city into a laboratory for artistic experimentation and social discourse.

History & Legacy

The Yokohama Triennale was founded in 2001 during a period of significant cultural investment in Japan, when there was growing recognition of the importance of contemporary art as a means of international exchange and urban revitalization. Initially organized by the Japan Foundation to enhance cultural diplomacy, the Triennale has evolved in its organizational structure, with the City of Yokohama taking over as the primary organizer from the fourth edition (2011) onward.

Throughout its history, the Triennale has both reflected and responded to major shifts in the global art landscape, particularly the increasing prominence of Asian contemporary art on the international stage. It has provided a vital platform for Japanese artists while introducing international practices to local audiences, establishing itself as an important node in the growing network of biennials and triennials across Asia.

Notable Editions

Throughout its history, the Yokohama Triennale has presented a series of distinctive editions, each with its own thematic focus and curatorial approach. Here's a look at some of the most significant editions that have shaped the identity and trajectory of this influential art event.

2001

Mega-Wave: Towards a New Synthesis

The inaugural edition set the foundation for the Triennale's international outlook, featuring works from diverse global perspectives.

2014

ART Fahrenheit 451: Sailing into the sea of oblivion

Directed by artist Yasumasa Morimura, exploring the concept of "oblivion" in contemporary culture and memory.

2020

Afterglow

Curated by Raqs Media Collective during the global pandemic, examining care, friendship, and luminosity in challenging times.

2024

Wild Grass: Our Lives

Curated by Liu Ding and Carol Yinghua Lu, exploring resilience and resistance through artistic expressions.

Exhibition Venues

The Yokohama Triennale utilizes multiple venues across the city, with the Yokohama Museum of Art serving as its primary location since 2011. The distributed nature of the exhibition encourages visitors to explore different areas of Yokohama, experiencing both contemporary art and the city's unique urban fabric. Here are the main venues that have hosted the Triennale in recent editions:

Yokohama Museum of Art

The primary venue since 2011, designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, housing a significant collection of modern and contemporary art.

Former Daiichi Bank Yokohama Branch

A historic building completed in 1929, providing a rich architectural context for contemporary art installations.

BankART KAIKO

Located in KITANAKA BRICK & WHITE, a repurposed warehouse from 1926 that has been transformed into an alternative art space.

Public Spaces

Various public areas throughout Yokohama, including subway stations and urban corridors, extending art into everyday environments.